The goal of treatment is to reduce your weight to a point where it is no longer a risk to your health. The initial goal is to lose approximately 10% of the baseline body weight or 1-2 pounds a week in the first 6 months of treatment. This may be less weight than you would like to lose, but it may be a more realistic goal. This is done with lifestyle changes, including how you shop, how you prepare food, and changing eating and exercise habits. Once the weight is lost, it is essential to maintain and prevent the regain of weight through better eating habits and regular exercise.

Treatment will:

Improve quality of life

Allow you do participate in activities

Reduce the risk of physical and psychological complications associated with obesity

Be aware that obesity
is difficult to treat and success rates are not high. Cultural factors, personal habits, lifestyle, and genetics all affect the treatment process.
Medications play only a small supplementary role and surgery is limited to people with morbid obesity or those who have complications. Many benefit from counseling and support groups.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.